Fig 1: Angiotensin II levels increase amongst patients with a history of COVID-19. Blood serum samples from healthy (CoV–), COVID-19 positive (CoV+), and COVID-19 recovered (CoV Rec)subjects were obtained and Angiotensin II (AngII) levels were quantitatively measured. The obtained results were plotted based on serum levels in (A) CoV–, CoV+, and CoV Rec subjects and (B) CoV- and COVID-19 (positive and recovered) patients with and without a smoking history. Data are shown as mean ± SEM. *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, and ***p < 0.001 as per One-Way ANOVA for multiple comparisons. NS, Non-Smokers and Sm: Smokers.
Fig 2: SARS-CoV2 infection leads to increased ACE2 activity and serum cytokine levels in smokers. Serum samples from healthy individuals and COVID-19 positive patients with smoking history were compared for ACE2 activity and levels of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines. The results pointed toward increased ACE2 activity and altered AngII and Ang1–7 levels in the serum of COVID-19 patients as compared to normal individuals. The altered AngII and Ang1–7 levels could also be a result of non-ACE2 dependent mechanisms which is not studied here. Increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in COVID-19 positive patients with smoking history, indicates a heightened immune response on SARS-CoV2 infection in smokers. We also found evidence for lowered serum furin and altered lipid profiles amongst COVID-19 patients, which may or may not correlate with the ACE2 activity. These alterations can lead to heightened inflammatory response and lung remodeling with smoking/vaping history.
Supplier Page from Novus Biologicals, a Bio-Techne Brand for Human Angiotensin 1-7 ELISA Kit (Colorimetric)